Heading from one end of the island of Aruba to the other can be challenging at times. Take a look at this traffic jam.
Goats can hold things up for as long as ten or fifteen minutes. Sometimes they just linger in the middle of the road until one of them gets the idea to lead the herd out of the way. They do a great job on the lawn, just be careful with the flowers!
Bon dia.
So, today was lunch at the Chili Hut in the Bubali area of Aruba. The place is known as a Surinamese food spot, which was something new for me. I sat at the counter, ordering some egg roll-like things to start and than a noodle with mixed grill combo. Note in the photo below the inserts below the counter top to stash your glasses, keys, and such. Very convenient.
Here’s a look at the meal.
I stuck with the mild flavors but you can spice it up as much as you want as explained the fellow behind the counter. Take a look at the menu board. There’s a wide selection there, all made to order.
This place is a little off the beaten path but not far at all from the high-rise hotel area. So, if you’re looking for someting different and reasonably priced, the Chili Hut might fit the bill.
Bon dia.
The Plaza Bookshop located in the Dakota area of Aruba has recently changed ownership. The new owners are busy making improvements that regular visitors will recognize immediately.
The photo above shows the ample parking and fresh paint on the building. Inside you’ll find a wide selection of magazines, books, greeting cards, and craft supplies. There is also a copy center.
Many languages are represented in the periodicals and books here, including English, Dutch, and Spanish.
Recently, the Plaza Bookshop has been hosting Saturday flea markets with plenty of bargains to be had if that’s your preferred way to shop.
When roaming about the island, take a moment to stop in here. You’ll find plenty of interesting things and meet a friendly staff willing to help you find that special item.
The New Pueblito Paisa is a little restaurant located in San Nicolaas, Aruba. I posted about this place before, but it’s time for an update. They painted the outside for a more conventional look.
Can’t miss that orange as you pass through town. Inside, you’ll find friendly faces and food cooked with a Colombian flair. I used to sit at the counter and do quite a bit of writing here, not to mention learn Spanish as well. However, let’s stick to the food. If you’re massively hungry, try the mixed grill platter. Below is a photo of the “small” size of that dish.
That’s a hearty platter! You get fried plantains around the edges along with an arepa cut up further in. Then there’s ribs, sausage, steak, the kind of stuff that really fills you up. Let’s say you’d just like a couple of pieces of chicken, battered and fried. Well, then order the pollo apanada as seen below.
Or, if you like epanadas, they sometimes have them as a special of the day. Here they are.
Finally, here’s a glimpse of the main menu. Those prices are Aruban florins, 1.75 florins for each 1 US Dollar.
Lots of good deals to be had. There’s a wide variety of beverages from beer, to Coca-Cola, to homemade fruit smoothies at prices that are much lower than near the big hotels. Spanish skills are helpful when ordering here, but you can find your way by pointing and smiling, too. Enjoy!
The Bent Page 
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